Washington (CNN) - Add Vice President Joe Biden to the list of people speaking out about the controversy surrounding Democratic Senate nominee and Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's misstating of his military record during the Vietnam War.

"I was not in Vietnam. I don't want to make a Blumenthal mistake here. Our attorney general from Connecticut, God love him," said Biden, according to a pool report of a Tuesday night at an event at the vice president's residence for wounded troops.

"I have a bad habit of saying exactly what I think," added Biden, apparently acknowledging the tendency for his off the cuff comments to land him in trouble.

Early last week the New York Times reported that Blumenthal distorted his military service record. The article alleged that Blumenthal lied about serving in Vietnam and says that he never served in that war, even though the candidate has claimed he did in speeches before veterans groups and military families.

A day after the release of the article, Blumenthal acknowledged he had not always accurately described his military service during the Vietnam War. Blumenthal served in the Marine Corps Reserves during the Vietnam War, and was stationed stateside. He said he mistakenly said he served "in" Vietnam rather than "during" Vietnam in his previous speeches.

The absence of a strong apology in his remarks last Tuesday fueled criticism from Republicans and even some Democrats.

"I have made mistakes and I am sorry. I truly regret offending anyone," Blumenthal said in a statement sent to the Hartford Courant Sunday night. "I will always champion the cause of Connecticut's and our nation's veterans."

In the statement to the Courant, Connecticut's largest daily newspaper, Blumenthal said that "at times when I have sought to honor veterans, I have not been as clear or precise as I should have been about my service in the Marine Corps Reserves."

The campaign of Linda McMahon, the Senate candidate endorsed by the Connecticut Republican Party, is circulating media reports of Biden's comments to members of the media.

-CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

soundoff(33 Responses)

There is no bigger joke than the Obama adminsitration. Nothing that Biden can say can top that.

May 26, 2010 03:10 pm at 3:10 pm |

TTommy

One word ... Buffoon.

May 26, 2010 03:11 pm at 3:11 pm |

ANDROLOMA

Bad enough when politicians steal tax money, now they think they need to steal valor and honor as well. There is no endless pit deep enough to throw these reprobates into.

May 26, 2010 03:11 pm at 3:11 pm |

moth2

I as a VN Vet, have no problem with Blumenthal, just as long as he disaccociates himself from the rest of us, along way from the rest of us.

May 26, 2010 03:11 pm at 3:11 pm |

Dominican mama 4 Obama

"I have a bad habit of saying exactly what I think,"
-------------------------------–

And that is exactly why we love you Joe!

You couldn't make a Bloomin' (Blumenthal) mistake of that magnitude, you're too genuine. That kind of faux pas CANNOT be coached. It comes from a genetic mutation call the 'politico trait'. This dominant trait is found in all RethugliKKKlans, DINOs, and some Catholic priests.

You're none of these.

May 26, 2010 03:12 pm at 3:12 pm |

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA

Good one Joe. lol

May 26, 2010 03:12 pm at 3:12 pm |

No Incumbents 2010

When the VP a member of your political party slams you, you know it's not looking good. Even fellow Democrats are bailing on Blumenthal. Time for a another look at Peter Schiff.

May 26, 2010 03:13 pm at 3:13 pm |

NorCalMojo

I love how Biden says "God love him" after he throws someone under the bus.